Can tester elevator



Aug. 12, 1941. w. PECHY 2,251,949

CAN TESTER ELEVATOR Filed July 19, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 34 55 a Q 54 oQ o /5 a g 52 1 I56 J 57 a D H ml:

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CAN TESTER ELEVATOR Filed July 19, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR AThNEY Aug. 12, 1941. w, p c

CANTESTER ELEVATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet s Filed July 19, 1958 INVENTOR BY 34aLO.

ATTORNEY Aug. 12, 1941.

w. PECHY I CAN TESTER ELEVATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 19, 1938vIll-Z INVENTOR WM G LJZ,

NEY

Patented Aug. 1 2, 1941 CAN TESTER ELEVATOR William Pechy, Elizabeth, N..L, assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation ofNew Jersey Application July 19, 1938, Serial No. 220,152

5 Claims. (o1. 209-88) The present invention relates to a container orcan tester elevator and has particular reference to an elevator whichincludes devices for detecting and eliminating imperfect cans from theprocession of cans passing through the elevator.

. The invention contemplates a can tester ele-. vator which is adaptedto be interposed in a line of automatic can making machines and whichtransfers from one machine to another partially completed cans normallyhaving two end closure members in place.

An object of the invention is the provision of a can tester elevator ofthe character contemplated wherein each can as it is received intheelevator is tested at its ends to ascertain if theclosure members arein proper place and to detect such cans which lack one or both closuremembers so that only perfect cans or cans having both end closuremembers in proper place, will be carried on to a succeeding machine inthe line for the performance of a subsequent operation thereon.

Another object is the provision of such a can tester elevator whereincans detected as being imperfect regarding, their end closure membersareeliminated, at apredetermined station, from the line of cans passingthrough the elevator so that such cans will not interfere with the goodcans while undergoing subsequent operation.

Numerous other objects and advantages. of the invention will, beapparent as it is better understood from the following description,which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses apreferred embodiment if thereof.

- Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevation of a can tester elevator embodying theinstant invention, parts being broken away;

r Fig. 2 is a Wiring diagram of the electric apparatus used inconnection with the elevator;

Fig. 3 isa transverse section through the lower portion of the elevatorthe view, being taken substantially along the line 33 in Fig. 1; 1

Fig. 4 is an enlarged horizontal or plan section taken substantiallyalong the line 44 in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail view taken substantially along the line 5-5in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation as viewed substantially along aplane indicated by the line 86 in Fig. 4;

Fig, 7 is an enlarged horizontal section taken substantially along thebroken line l-'l in Fig.

1, the view being rotated through ninety degrees relative to itsposition in Fig. 1;

Fig, 8 is a sectional detail view takensubstantially along the line 88in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 inFig. 6; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged horizontal section taken substantially along theline I 0IB in Fig. 9.

In the machine shown in the drawings as a preferred embodimentof theinventioncans A having end closure members B loosely assembled therewithenter the elevator byway of an-endless belt carrier C (Figs. 1 and 4).The cans are received by a vertically disposed conveyor D and at astation adjacent an end detector device F.

Each can as it is received in the conveyor D is tested by the detectingdevice and, cans having only one or no ends in proper place areimmediately detected as being imperfect.

Detection of a can which lacks one or both end members sets in motion atime delay and can discharge mechanism G which discharges the imperfectcan from the elevator as it is being carried up to a higher level.Discharge of the i can is effected by a blast of air issuing fromnozzles which are located adjacent the path of travel of the cans.Provision is made for selecting one of 7 several positions of dischargeand therefore there are a plurality of sets of these nozzles arrangedalong one side of the elevator. Each set is disposed adjacent a candischarge chute H, this arrangement constituting predetermined stationsJ at any one of which the imperfect can may be eliminated from theelevator as desired. A corresponding setting of the time delay mechanismG makes thisselection possible.

Referring now to the details of the elevator it will be observed thatthe conveyor D comprises a vertically disposed endless chain ll (Fig, 1)provided with flights I2 which are secured to the chain at spacedintervals along its length. The chain takes'over a lower or drivensprocket I3 which is located in a base housing [4 and over an upper oridler sprocket I5 which is supported in the upper end of a verticalframe 16 mounted on the base housing. Openings I! in a top wall section18 of the base housing permit the passage of the chain and its flightstherethrough.

The conveyor chain II is actuated in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFig. 1) by the rotation of the lower sprocket 13. For this purpose thesprocket I3 is mounted on a cross shaft 21 (Figs. '1 and 3) which isjournaled in bearings 22 formed in the base housing I4. Shaft 2| isdriven through a gear 23 which is carried on the vator.

5 shaft and which meshes with a driving gear 24 mounted on a parallelcross shaft 25.

Shaft 25' is journaled in a pair of bearings 26 one of which is formedin the base housing I4 and the other in a casing 21 bolted to a side oftire elevator and its movable parts and may be rotated by any suitablemeans.

The upper or idler sprocket I5 is mounted on a cross shaft (Fig. 1).This shaft is jour naled in bearings 36 which are formed in the upperend of the vertical frame H5.

The carrier C, which brings the cans A into a the elevator, is locatedadjacent the bottom of 1 the elevator and it carries the canshorizontally or at right angles to the path of travel of the conveyorflights l2 as they move vertically. The

carrier at the machine end takes over a pulley 4| (Figs. 1 and 4) whichis mounted on a shaft 42 carried in bearings 43 formed in a bracket.

. secured to the base housing l4.

retained in carrying position'on the carrier by side guide bars 45.

The cansA therefore enter the elevator in a horizontal position and arereceived on a platform 48 which is disposed adjacentthe discharge end ofthe carrier C and which is bolted to the base housing M. The platformextends infront j and along each side of the path of travel of theconveyor flights l2 being cut away for clearance at this position. V

A can A after being received on the platform 48 is pushed along byfollowing incoming cans and into the path of travel of the conveyorflights. As the next flight just below comes up adjacent the platform itengages under the aligned can A and carries it vertically toward the topof the ele- Duringthis upward travel of the picked-off cans A they areguided by cooperating'pairs of inner rails 5| end rails 52 and outerrails 53 (Figs. 1 and 4) which are secured in brackets 54 bolted to thevertical frame l6; At the-top of the elevator these guide rails curvearound the upper sprocket l5 and thence project offat a tangent to anysuitable place of discharge for the elevated cans.

The inner rails 5| at their lower ends extend down adjacent the canreceiving platform 48 and 1 thus serve as stops to properly locate thein- 3 coming cans so that each willbe in proper picking-oif positionwhen the rising conveyor flight l2 engage thereunder. The'end rails 52locate and maintain the cans in proper endwise position within theelevator.

The outer guide rails 53 are adjacent the outer side wall of each can asit moves upwardly along The cans are in the carrier 0 andit moves overthe platform and around its path of travel. Each outer guide railpreferably comprises a long upper section 55 3 which curves around thesprocket l5 and a plurality of short sectio'ns56 which are in alignmentbut spaced apart, thereby leaving can discharge 1 openings ST-adjacent'the. discharge chutes. H hereinbefore mentioned. .Thesechutes aresecured to. extensions of certain of the rail brackets 54.

As hereinbefore m'entioned' .each .can it 1 enters theelevator,isntestedbythe. end detector I device, F to ascertain if thecan end membersare in proper place. This testing is done after anentering can on the platform 48 passes into its momentary position underthe guide rails 5|, 52, 53 and just prior to being engaged and lifted byone of the conveyor flights I2. Thus the detector device F is located atthe bottom of the elevator adjacent the entrance platform 48.

The detectordevice F includes a pair of curved and horizontally. movabledetector fingers 6| (Figs. 1 and 4) which are mounted on vertical pivotpins 62 carried in bearings 63 of brackets 64 secured to the verticalframe Hi and on opposite sides thereof. The outer ends of the fingerscurve inwardly toward the path of travel of an entering can and arenormally disposed adjacent and between the guide rails 5 52. In thisnormal position (Fig. 4) the outer ends of the fingers are adjacent theends of a can in its testing position and are in vertical alignment withthe can guide rails.

The inner ends of the detector fingers 6|, on the opposite'side of.v thepivot pins 62, extend through openings 61 formed in the sides of thevertical frame. It where they are inside the frame and in almostabutting'position with each other, as shown in Fig. 4. These inner endsof the fingers are held under spring tension by a pair of springs 68.One endof .eachspring is connected with the inner end of its fingerwhile the opposite end of the spring is hooked over .a lug 69 secured tothe vertical frame l6.

The tension springs 68 hold the inner ends of the detector fingers6|against a roundedhead H of a plunger 12 carried in a swivel block '13which is'pivotally secured in'a plate 14 mounted on the base housing I4.The tail end of the plunger." is connected with the inner end of a camarm 16. Intermediate its length thecam arm is mounted on a pivot stud 11secured in a bracket 18 carried on the base housing l4. .The outer endof thecam arm'carries a cam roller. 19 which operates in a groove 8| ofa detector cam 82 mounted on and rotated by the main drive shaft 3| ofthe apparatus. As the main drive shaft 3| rotates, the cam 82 in oneposition acts onthe roller 19 to shift the cam arm .16 toward the rightas viewedin Fig. land thus tends topull the plunger 12 away from theinner ends of the detector fingers 6|. Since the detector fingers areheld under the tension of the springs 68 they remain in engagement withthe plunger head II and rock on their pivot pins during thereceding'movement of the plunger. This rocking of the fingers moves their outerends toward the ends of the can A then in the testing position. V

If both end closure members'B of the can are in proper place the outerends of themoving detector fingers 6| engage them and thereby furtherrocking movement of the fingers is arrested.' The plunger head Hcontinues 'back howeverand draws away from the fingers. This set ofconditions prevails for a good: can" and nothing. further happens hereuntil the plunger head is moved back when thefingers are againengaged'and the can is'released this being at about the time theconveyor flight IZ picks' up the can. Such a good can continues alongitsupward path of. travel through the elevator, up over the upper sprocketl5 and is discharged to any suitable place of deposit forthe-de'siredsubsequent operation. '7'

If one or both of the end closure members B are missing from. the canbeingtested another setwof conditions are present. The outerend of thedetector finger, where there is a missing or open end-in the can,instead of being stopped in its detecting movement, continues on furtherpassing into the inside of the can. This extra movement of either orboth fingers actuates an electric switch 85 (Figs. 1 and 4) which inturn sets in motion other electrical and mechanical devices which resultsubsequently in discharge of the can from the elevator. Actuation of theswitch 85 is effected by engagement of one or both of a pair of plates86 (see Figs. 4 and one plate being secured to the inner end of eachdetector finger 6|. These plates extend above the plunger head II andwhen a finger is rocked the extra distance described above, its plateengages against and moves a switch arm 81 mounted on a pivot pin 88carried in a box 89 which houses the switch 85.' This arm is retainedunder tension of a spring SI which normally holds the arm against a stoppin 92 secured in the switch box.

Movement of the switch arm 81 rocks a flat side cam 96 carried on thepivot pin 88 and located inside the switch box. The cam presses againsta yieldable contact 91 and moves it into engagement with a stationarycontact 93 disposed in the switch box and thereby closes the switch.

Referring now to the wiring diagram in Fig.

2 it will be seen that the yieldable contact 9'! of the switch 85 isconnected by a shunt wire IOI to a main lead wire I02 transmittingelectrical energy from a suitable source of power such as a generatorI03. The other or stationary contact 98 of the switch is connected by ashunt wire I04 to a solenoid I05 (see also Fig. 9) which in turn isconnected by a wire I06 to the opposite or return main lead wire I01 ofthe generator. Thus when the switch 85 is closed the shunt circuit iscompleted and electric energy from the generator I03 passes along andenergizes the solenoid I05.

The solenoid I05 is associated with the time delay and can dischargemechanism G and when energized sets'this mechanism so that the can willbe discharged from the elevator by way of a predetermined dischargechute H. For this p' pose the solenoid I05 is provided with a movablecore HI (Fig. 9) retained under normal pressure of a compression springH2 disposed within the solenoid. The core extends outside of thesolenoid and is formed with a head H3.

The solenoid core head I I3 is located adjacent the path of travel of aplurality of timing pins i2! (Figs. 9 and 10) which are carried inspaced, peripheral, vertical holes I22 formed in a horizontal timingdisc I23. The pins are adapted to be shifted vertically in the holes bythe solenoid head H3 and when shifted to remain in position untilpositively returned. The normal position of a pin I 2| is that shown atthe left of the disc, as viewed in Fig. 9, the top of the pin beingseated in a counterbore and flush with the top of the disc. The lowerend of the pin is then depending from the bottom of the disc.

Retaining of the pins in either of their two positions is effected by acompression spring I25 which is located inwardly of each pin in aradially disposed horizontal bore I26 formed in the disc I23. A springbutton I2! is backed up by the spring and presses against the side ofthe timing pin holding it frictionally in place until positively moved.

The timing disc I23 is rotated in time with the upward passage of cansthrough the elevator.

It is secured tothe upper end of a vertical shaft I3I (Fig. 9) which isjournaled in bearings I32 in a gear housing'i33 formed as a part of thebracket 'I8-(see also Figs. 1, 4 and 6). Within the gear housing theshaft I3I carries a bevel .gear I35 which meshes with a bevel pinion I36mounted on the innerend of a horizontal stub shaft 37 journaled in abearing I38 formed in the housing. The outer end of the stub shaftcarries a sprocket l39 driven by a chain I4I which also takes over adriving sprocket I42 mounted adjacent the cam 82 on the main driv ingshaft 3|. l 7

As the main driving shaft 3i actuates the conveyor chain II and itsflights I2 in time with the other moving parts ofthe elevator it alsorotates the timingdisc I23 in the same time therewith and in acounter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10. Thus when a conveyorflight I2 moves past the can testing station, a timing pin I2I carriedaround by the rotating timing disc I23 is passing over the head II3 ofthe solenoid cor-e I I I.

When'a can picked up by a conveyor flight at the testing station hasbeen detected as one lacking one or both end members, the core head H3of the energized solenoid I05 extends up into the path of travel of theapproaching timing pin I2I. As the lower end of the pin engages theraised solenoid core head H3 the pin is shifted upwardly into its raisedposition. An inverted L-shaped lug I45 secured to the solenoid andextending over the top of the timing disc prevents the timing pin frombeing raised too far when it is shifted upwardly.

The upper end of the raised pin I2I now projects above the top surfaceof the timing disc being held frictionally by its spring button I21.After such a setting of the timing pin for its corresponding imperfectcan, the time required for such a pin to reach a given position providesfor the time delay necessary before thecan reaches a desired dischargechute H in itsupward travel through the elevator.

The air blast which is used for the discharge of the imperfect canfromthe elevator issues from a series of pairs of spaced nozzles I5I (Figs.1 and 7) which are located adjacent each of the discharge chutes H atthe discharge stations -J. These nozzles are all'connected as by crosspipes I 52 and vertical pipes I53 which in turn join with a main supplypipe I54 leading from a suitable source of supply of compressed air.Each nozzle I5! is fitted with a manual shut-off valve I56 so that allnozzles may be closed excepting those located at the particular stationfrom which it is desired to discharge detected cans.

The main supply pipe I54 includes a main air valve I53 (Fig. 8) having avalve stem I59 the upper end of which constitutes a core of a valveactuating solenoid I60 bolted onto the valve. The solenoid is also heldby a bracket strap I6! which is secured to the vertical frame I6. Acompression spring I63 housed within the solenoid normally presses thecore stem I59 into the valve seat and keeps the valve closed as long asgood'cans'are passing through the elevator. It is only when the solenoidis energized that the valve is opened, and this energizing of thesolenoid takes place only when an imperfect can reaches a position ofdischarge. I

Again referring to the wiring'diagram in Fig. 2 it will be seen that oneside of the valve actuating solenoid I60 is connected by a shunt wire 5I65 to the main return lead wire I01 of the gen- I of deposit.

erator'cir'cuit. 'The other side .of the, solenoid isconn-e'cted'by ashunt-wire I68 to a. discharge switch IISTI- and this switch isjoinedby'a wire I68 to the main lead wire I02 of the:generat orrcircuit. With-switch lfil-iclosed; electric energy from the-generatorpasses along the shunt circuit to energize the valve actuatingsolenoidI60.

Discharge switch IEI (Figs. 4 and 9) is .normally open and is providedwith a stationary contactI'lI and ayieldable contactIIZ; Yieldabl'econtact; H2 is in engagement with a flat sidecarn [13111913111861 on avertical pivot shaft I14 carried in suitable bearings formed in a switchbox I15 which houses the switch parts.

Outside of the box the pivot shaft I14 carries a, horizontal switch armI'I'I-(see also Fig. 10) which is disposed parallel with and close tothe top surface of the timing disc. I23. A tension spring -II8isconnected'at one-end to the arm and at its opposite end to astationary plate I19. Plate I 79 .is loosely bored for the shaft I14 andis secured to the bottom of the switch box I15. Spring I18 normallyholds the arm I'I'I stationary against a stop lug I8I formed on theplate and in such-position'the switch contacts III, I12 are held apart.r

The outer end of the switch arm I" extends into the path of travel ofthe upper end of a raised timing pin I2I as it is moved around in thecounterclockwise (Fig. 10) rotation of the disc I23. Since under normalconditions the tops of thepins are flush with the top of the discordinnarily the pins will pass under the switch arm withoutinterference. A raised pin engages against the outer end of the switcharm and shifts it toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 10. Thisengagement takes place at the precise moment'when the imperfect canhasreached its position of discharge.

Shifting of the switch arm I'II-rocks its pivot shaft I14 and switch camI13 and thereby closes the switch I61. This energizes the valve actu- Iating solenoid I60 which quickly opens the main air valve I58. Thisactionis only momentary, the

. 'valve being open only until the moving'timing pin 1 rides off the endof the switch arm I'I'I. This momentary opening of the main air valve issuflicient, however, for a blast of air to pass from the main air pipeI54 into the pipes I52, I53 and 1 to issue from the open nozzles II.

blast impinging against the side of the can blows I it ofi' its conveyorflight" I2 and into the selected chute H where it is directed to anysuitable place The raised timing pin I2I after leaving the 1 switch armII I is depressed back into-its normal 1 position by its top'ridingunder an inclined stationary cam shoe or r reset cam I85 (Figs. 9 andMention has already been made of selective setting of the time delaymechanism G to'deter- 1 mine the exact place of discharge of imperfectcansfl The reset' cam I85 and the discharge 5 switch I67 together withtheir associated parts 1 are. adapted to be manually shifted around thepath of travel of the timing pins- I2I for this purpose. The switch andthe reset cam are both carlied on a. bracket I86. (Figs. 4 and 9). whichis bolted to a ring I81 concentrically disposed over Thering is retainedby a in its recess to any de- The airi Thus when it isidesiredtodischarge cans from the upper chute H (Fig. 1) the position of theswitch and the reset camshould; be that illustrated, by Way of example,in the drawings (Figs. 9 and 10')". The distance of .the can movement bythe elevator,- when the ican is discharged at the upper chute H is equalto six flight spaces from the testing station and for such a setting theposition of the discharge switch I67 will be six timing'pinjspaces fromthe solenoid I05 (Fig. 10)

Inrlike; manner, if cans are to be'discharged from :the lower chute H(two flight spaces from the testing station) the switch will be set at X(Fig. 10two timing pin spaces from the solenoid I05). "Ifp thedischarging is to be done by way of the intermediate chute H (fourflights up) the switch should be set at Y (Fig. 10-.four timin pinspaces from solenoid I05). If more than three chutes are to be used thenumber of timing pins may be'accordingly increased.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantageswill be understood from the foregoing description, and it will beapparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and-scope ofthe invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a can elevator, the combination of a conveyor for carrying canshaving end members applied thereto from one level to another level, aplurality of vertically spaced can discharge chutes disposed adjacentthe path of; travel of the cans through the elevator, a can end testingdevice including detector fingers disposed at the entrance of saidconveyor and simultaneously movable into engagement with the oppositeends of the cansintime with'their passage into said conveyor fordetecting imp r ect cans which lack end members, a detector solenoidoperable by said detector fingers when a can lacking its end members isdetected, atime delay mechanism including a rotatable disc rotating intime with said conveyor. and having shiftable timing pins which aremoved into operative position by said detector solenoidan air' nozzledisposed in line with e'achlo'ii said caii discharge chutes, a pipe lineconnecting with said nozzleand leading to a suitabl so'urceof compressedair, and a solenoid actuated valve in said pipe line and operable by apositionedtimingpin of saidtimedelay mechanismfor issuing a blast ofco'm'pressed air through said nozzl'e soth'at the detected can will bedischarged from the elevator. byway of said chute at a predeterminedtime. I

2., In .a canftesting lelevator, the combination of a verticallydisposed conveyor for carrying cans'havingIend-mernbers applied theretofrom one, level to another level, a can discharge chute disposedadjacent the path of travel of the cans through the elevator, a can endtesting device includingpivotally mounted detector fingerssimultaneously movable into engagement with the opposite ends ofthecans, means for actuating said detectorrfingers in time with thepassage of the cans through the elevator for detecting cans Which vlackboth .end members, a detector solenoid operable bysaid detector fingerswhen a can lacking an end memberis detected, a time delay mechanismincluding a rotatable disc rotating in time with said conveyor and havingshiftable timing pins which are moved into operative position;by-,saiddetectorsolenoid, an air nozzle disposed in line with said can dischargechute, a pipe line connecting with said nozzle and leading to a suitablesource of compressed air, a solenoid actuated valve in said pipe lineand operable by a positioned timing pin of said time delay mechanism forissuing a blast of compressed air through said nozzle so that thedetected can will be discharged from the elevator by way of said chute,and means for resetting said timing pins for subsequent operation.

3. In a can elevator, the combination of a conveyor for carrying canshaving end members applied thereto from one level to another level, acan discharge chute disposed adjacent the path of travel of the cansthrough the elevator, a compressed air nozzle located in line with saiddischarge chute and disposed adjacent the path of travel of said cans, anormally closed valve for controlling the passage of air through saidnozzle, and means for detecting imperfect cans which lack both endmembers and including devices for momentarily opening said'valve toissue a blast of air from said nozzle to remove the detected can fromthe elevator by Way of said discharge chute, said can detecting meansfurther including a pair of oppositely disposed detector fingerspivotally movable toward and away from the opposite ends of the cans todetect the presence or absence of a said end member, and means foractuating said detector fingers in synchronism with the movement of thecans into the conveyor.

4. In a can elevator, the combination of a conveyor for carrying canshaving end members applied thereto from one level to another level, aplurality of spaced discharge chutes located adjacent the path of travelof the cans through the elevator, a can discharge nozzle located in linewith each of said discharge chutes and disposed adjacent the path oftravel of the cans, said nozzles having connection with a source ofsupply of compressed air, a manually operable stop-cock adjacent eachnozzle to selectively render a particular nozzle effective, a valve forcontrolling the passage of air from said air source to said effectivenozzles, and means for detecting cans which lack end members, said meansincluding devices operating to momentarily open said valve after a canWithout an end member has been detected so that a blast of air will beissued from said efiective nozzle and the detected can thereby removedfrom the elevator by way of the discharge chute associated with saidselected nozzle, said can detecting means further including a pair ofcam actuated detector fingers disposed at the inlet end of said conveyorand pivotally movable toward and away from the opposite ends of the cansand engageable therewith when an end member is present on the can.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of a conveyorfor carrying cans having end members applied thereto, a can dischargechute disposed adjacent the path of travel of the cans on said conveyor,can ejecting means located in line with said discharge chute anddisposed adjacent the path of travel of said cans,

and means for detecting imperfect cans which lack an end member andincluding devices for actuating said can ejecting means to remove thedetected can from the conveyor by Way of said discharge chute, said candetecting means further including a pair of oppositely disposed detectorfingers pivotally movable toward and away from the opposite ends of thecans to detect the presence or absence of a said end member, each ofsaid detecting fingers having means for operating said ejecting meansupon detecting the absence of a can end, and means for actuating saiddetector fingers in synchronism with themovement of the cans into theconveyor.

WILLIAM PECI-IY.

